Firefox 4 Beta 2 Hits Android, Maemo

Mozilla has been hard at work with the delivery of a new version of its Firefox mobile web browser, namely Firefox 4 Beta 2, which is compatible with devices running under Android and Maemo. The new release comes with a wide range of improvements and fixes, the most important of which is the reduced install size by 60% on Android.

The large install size on Android was one of the main issues with the mobile browser, as it took five or more times more space than what other applications needed.

At the same time, the new software solution comes with better performance levels, with JavaScript performance being 25 percent faster than stock browser on SunSpider, while page loads are said to be 40 percent faster than in beta 1.

According to the release notes for the new application version, the battery usage has been improved too, while the memory footprint was reduced.

The changelog for Firefox 4 Beta 2 also shows:

- Fixed problems that would cause you to get a black screen when launching the app
- Now localized in 10 languages
- New theme
- You can now undo closing a tab
- The native Android sharing system is now used when you share a link
- Desktop notifications are now supported
- Content crashes will no longer take down the whole browser
- Users will now be prompted to submit crash reports when the browser crashes
- Beta tester tools for Android
- Geolocation now works on Android

Among the other enhancements the software solution comes with, we can count faster and more accurate multitouch zoom capabilities, complemented by more finger friendly video controls, and improved text spacing.

For those who might not know, the Firefox 4 Beta for Android and Maemo application as built on the same technology as Firefox 4 for desktop computers, while being optimized for use on mobile devices.

Those of you interested in downloading the new version of the application will find it available on Softpedia too, via this link.